Greg Merson Survives Epic Final Table, Wins 2012 WSOP Main Event

Greg Merson, 2012 WSOP Main Event Champion and 2012 WSOP Player of the Year (Photo: WSOP/Joe Giron)

After fighting through a total field of 6,598 to a spot in the final nine, then surviving a final table lasting nearly 400 hands over the last two days, Greg Merson of Maryland became the newest World Series of Poker Main Event champion, pocketing a cool $8,531,853 for his triumph.  Merson's win also catapulted him past WSOP Europe Main Event winner Phil Hellmuth to clinch the top spot in the 2012 WSOP Player of the Year race.

On Monday afternoon the final nine players reassembled in the Penn & Teller theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada to determine who among them would emerge as champion.  Merson began the final table third in chips behind fellow American Jesse Sylvia and the lone non-American final tablist, Andras Koroknai of Hungary.

Here's how the counts looked when the first hand of the final table was dealt:

1. Jesse Sylvia -- 43,875,000
2. Andras Koroknai -- 29,375,000
3. Greg Merson -- 28,725,000
4. Russell Thomas -- 24,800,000
5. Steve Gee -- 16,860,000
6. Michael Esposito -- 16,260,000
7. Robert Salaburu -- 15,155,000
8. Jake Balsiger -- 13,115,000
9. Jeremy Ausmus -- 9,805,000

It would take 30 hands for the first elimination to come.  The 57-year-old Steve Gee -- the oldest player at the final table -- was eliminated in a dramatic hand versus Russell Thomas in which Gee shoved all in on a 7c-5d-4h-Jc-3s board holding 8d-8c and after a long tank Thomas called with Qd-Qc.

Thirty-five hands after that it was a short-stacked Robert Salaburu finding himself in the big blind and watching Sylvia open-raise all in from the small blind.  Salaburu called with 7d-7h and saw Sylvia turn over Qc-5c, and Salaburu was safe after the Ad-As-4c flop and 2d turn.  But the river brought the Qh to knock Salaburu out in eighth.

Just a few hands later, Michael Esposito began shoving his short stack all in repeatedly, finally getting a call from Merson in a hand in which Esposito held As-Jh but unfortunately for him had run into Merson's Ac-Ks.  The community cards came 9s-7d-4s-6s-8c, and after 70 hands they were down to six.

Koroknai continued to maintain a healthy stack of more than 40 million chips, but got himself into a preflop raising war with Merson that resulted in Koroknai six-bet shoving with Kh-Qd and getting called by Merson who held As-Ks.  The board ran out eight-high, and as Merson had Koroknai barely outchipped the latter was out in sixth while Merson assumed the lead.

Jeremy Ausmus began the final table ninth of nine, but managed to hold his own and wasn't at risk until committing his stack on a 9c-8s-3s-3d board with 10s-7d (open-ended straight draw) and getting called by Sylvia who held Ac-9h (nines and treys).  The river was the 5s, sending Ausmus railward in fifth.

It was on Hand No. 135 of the final table that the next elimination would occur when Russell Thomas saw his Ah-9d fail to improve against the As-Kc of Jake Balsiger.  

Play was then halted, and the final three players rested up for what would turn out to be an especially arduous and hard-fought battle Tuesday night.

When the trio returned, Merson led the way with Sylvia second and Balsiger the short stack.  Here's what the leaderboard looked like at the start of play Tuesday:

1.  Greg Merson -- 88,350,000
2.  Jesse Sylvia -- 62,750,000
3.  Jake Balsiger -- 46,875,000

Play once again started in the afternoon, and as it happened it wouldn't be until almost dawn on Wednesday for the tourney to be decided.  In all it would take an incredible 264 more hands -- 399 total for the final table -- to find a winner, with all three players remaining alive for much of the way.

There were a few dramatic close calls before Balsiger finally was eliminated in third, and in fact all three players managed to hold the chip lead at one point during the night, although Merson was in first position for the majority of the way.

In one two-hand sequence, Balsiger survived an all-in with Ah-10s against Sylvia's Ac-Qs when a ten fell on the turn, then Sylvia turned around and made it through an all-in of his own with Ah-Ks versus Merson's Kd-Kh when the river brought Sylvia a saving wheel.

Ultimately Balsiger would fall in Hand No. 382 of the final table in a hand versus Merson.  All in with Qh-10d against Merson's Kc-Qs, the board came 6s-6d-6c-Jc-5h and just two players were left.

Heads-up play began with Merson in front with 117,600,000 to Sylvia's 80,600,000.  The pair traded small-to-medium pots for 16 hands, then finally a hand arose in which Merson had four-bet-shoved from the button and after a long period of contemplation Sylvia called with his remaining chips.

Merson had Kd-5d and Sylvia Qs-Js, and after the board came 9d-6c-3h-6s-7c, Merson had won.

2012 WSOP Main Event final table payouts:
1st:  Greg Merson (United States) -- $8,531,853
2nd:  Jesse Sylvia (United States) -- $5,295,149
3rd:  Jake Balsiger (United States) -- $3,799,073
4th:  Russell Thomas (United States) -- $2,851,537
5th:  Jeremy Ausmus (United States) -- $2,155,313
6th:  Andras Koroknai (Hungary) -- $1,640,902
7th:  Michael Esposito (United States) -- $1,258,040
8th:  Robert Salaburu (United States) -- $971,360
9th:  Steve Gee (United States) -- $754,798 

As mentioned, the win also meant Merson wins the 2012 WSOP Player of the Year race, with Phil Hellmuth finishing in second (for the second year in a row) and Antonio Esfandiari third. 

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Capital One Cup: Richer Tottenham reserves to prosper

Jake Livermore is likely to be in from the start against Norwich

Christian Crowther predicts wins for Tottenham and Liverpool in the Capital One Cup fourth round...

Norwich v Tottenham, Wednesday 19:45, Match Odds: Norwich 4.3100/30, Tottenham 1.9210/11, The Draw 3.8514/5
Norwich's mini revival in the Premier League will have brought much needed cheer to their fans and all of a sudden optimism will be replacing feelings of despair at Carrow Road. The Capital One Cup offers light relief from the rigours of the top flight and the Canaries will take additional encouragement from a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane back in September. A loss to Chelsea aside though, Andre Villas-Boas' Spurs side have picked up notable momentum since that early exchange in north London - winning all five of their other top flight matches. With the Premier League games coming thick and fast over the next month, it's almost a certainty that both teams will rest players, and it's AVB who has the greater quality with which to replace his regulars. France's number one Hugo Lloris should be in line for a start with the likes of Jake Livermore and Gylfi Sigurdsson also looking good bets for a place in the XI following substitute appearances against Southampton. Norwich haven't engineered a fourth round 90-minute win since 1994/95.
Recommended Bet: Back Tottenham to win @ 1.9210/11

Liverpool v Swansea, Wednesday 20:00, Match Odds: Liverpool 1.4840/85, Swansea 7.87/1, The Draw 4.84/1
Liverpool will still be spitting feathers over their last-minute derby denial against Everton when Swansea roll into Anfield on Wednesday, however the Reds have the perfect chance to put that behind them with victory. Brendan Rodgers' former side have only won one of their seven Premier League games since flattening QPR and then West Ham in their opening two fixtures. The Welsh side have been particularly weak on their travels in the league - losing their last three without even registering - while it took a last-gasp winner against League One Crawley on the road to book this date with Liverpool. The hosts have kept clean sheets in three consecutive matches at Anfield in all competitions, winning two of those, and after a spirited performance against Everton will fancy their chances of another victory. The goals have not exactly been flowing though, with only four in as many games for Rodgers' team, and in two clashes last season, these clubs only produced one goal.
Recommended Bet: Back Liverpool to win 1-0 @ 8.88/1

Timeform Daily: Wednesday, Lingfield 15:45

Lingfield Racecourse.

Timeform look ahead to a competitive handicap at Lingfield on Wednesday...

Emerald Wilderness was rejuvenated last winter for Robert Cowell, and took advantage of a reduced turf mark on debut for this yard over 1m last month. Ran no sort of race on heavy last time and tackles 1m now.

Emma's Gift was better for fitting of blinkers, winning handicaps at Wolverhampton/over 1m here in February. Lost her way thereafter, flying too high in listed race latest, but return to polytrack should suit.

Aldwick Bay is a hold-up performer who was better than ever when landing soft-ground 1m Windsor handicap in May. Back to that form when runner-up/winner last 2 starts there, and should go well under penalty.

O Ma Lad put up a career-best effort when landing a 1m AW handicap in September. Excuses when stamina stretched in Cesarewitch last time, and has to enter calculations. NON RUNNER.

Muntasir has finished runner-up twice returned to handicaps since 1m Kempton maiden win in July, including in first-time cheekpieces at Haydock last month. Clear chance on that form, but found little over C&D latest.

Fleeting Image displayed a good attitude to land first handicap win at Newmarket (1m) in August, and even better in defeat over C&D (Muntasir, Enery behind) latest. Very much had run of race there, however.

Enery has enjoyed a good year, scoring for fifth time when completing a hat-trick at Folkestone (1m) in September. Back to form over C&D latest, and should be thereabouts once again.

Daliance continued upward curve when taking 1m Wolverhampton handicap in September, and even better when third off 6 lb higher mark over 1m at Kempton recently. Further 3 lb rise here, but respected.

Ukranian took his form to new level when routing rivals in visor at Musselburgh last month, and solid second on AW next time. Missed break and had too much use made of him when below par latest, but respected.

Estedaama confirmed promise when winning 1m maiden in April and showed improved form to follow up on handicap debut at York (1m) in May. Absent since, and 5 lb higher on return, but should go well.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Ukranian
2. Estedaama
3. Aldwick Bay

Timeform Verdict: Quite a few in with chances with the vote going to Ukrainian. Estedaama and Aldwick Bay are just 2 others to consider.

Timeform's Horses To Follow for the 2012/3 NH season is out now! Get an interview with Donald McCain and ante-post advice as well as 65 horses to follow from Britain and Ireland. Get your copy now!

Follow The Money: Tidal to show the Way at Bangor

Today's two backs race at Bangor

Today's Follow The Money Movers come from the meetings at Bangor and Redcar.

We start at Bangor where in the opener at 13.30 Charlie Longsdon's Tidal Way has been well supported all morning and is now trading at 3.002/1 from an opening 3.6013/5. Mick Channon's former inmate comes up against a couple of previous winners today but its work bearing in mind that the three year old was the highest rated of these horses on the flat and users clearly think that he can build on an encouraging hurdles debut last time out. He was sent of favourite that day and looked the winner until tiring in the last furlong eventually being beaten by a length. He has cheekpieces fitted today and would have learned a lot from that experience.

Staying at Bangor for their 15.00 and we have seen a negative move in the shape of Basoda who is now 3.613/5 from 2.3211/8. The Kim Bailey stable is in good form and this horse is no exception, last time out routing his rivals to win by an easing down twenty five lengths at Kempton. That form clearly sets the standard in this race but it's worth bearing in mind that the horse is not the most consistent type and after his two previous wins over fences has next time out failed to complete. His jumping could also be a problem, having unseated or fallen on five of his twelve chase starts. The last possible negative that might have caused users to oppose this last time out winner is the fact that for his three previous chase wins the ground has been good or better, which looks very unlikely at Bangor today.

We move to Redcar now for our final mover of the day in the 16.10. The horse is Caras Request who is now 13.012/1 from 9.89/1. The seven year old has not won since 2010 when winning three races in four runs. The gelding is out of form but with that he has also slipped to a very attractive handicap mark. He drops down to six furlongs today, a distance he has only run over twice and if appreciating this drop in trip todays mark could look very lenient come 16.20.

Recommended Bets

Back Tidal Way @ 3.002/1 Bangor 13.30
Lay Basoda @ 3.613/5 Bangor 15.00
Back Caras Request @ 9.89/1 Redcar 16.10

Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Jezki to go close on hurdling debut.

Jessica Harrington's Jezki lines up the opener at Naas

The Timeform Irish team select three horses from today's cracking cards at Naas and Galway...

The Jessica Harrington-trained Jezki makes his hurdling debut at Naas in the 12:55 and is fancied to get us off to a flyer this afternoon. Jezki landed his first two starts in bumpers and produced a smart performance to defy a penalty at Leopardstown in March. He found little when finishing down the field behind Champagne Fever in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham when last seen under National Hunt rules, but comes here after an encouraging spin on the Flat and he looks the one to beat in an ordinary event.

Sam Da Vinci also makes his hurdling debut in the opening maiden at Galway (13:35) this afternoon. Anthony Mullins' gelding was placed on all three starts in bumpers and shaped well when chasing home the well-regarded Teelin Star on his reappearance at Listowel last month, in turn finishing clear of subsequent chase winner Klepht and he should prove hard to beat if reproducing that form at the first time of asking over timber.

Mount Benbulben is a horse that should need little introduction to those who pay attention to Gordon Elliot's column. A winning pointer, Mount Benbulben showed smart form over hurdles last term, landing a Grade 2 novice at Navan and finding only Boston Bob too good in a Grade 1 at the same course. He disappointed at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen, but he has long looked the type to do well over fences and, though this looks like a warm event, he holds leading claims.

Timeform Irish SmartPlays:

Back Jezki in the 12:55 at Naas
Back Sam Da Vinci in the 13:35 Galway
Back Mount Benbulben in the 14:25 Naas

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Betfair Top Five: Brooklyn Nets beware! Sporting anti-climaxes

The Nets' C.J Watson

Jay-Z has splashed the cash to bring the Brooklyn Nets across the water from New Jersey. Can the NBA's new team live up to the hype or will they fall flat? Alex Lee profiles five sporting anti-climaxes...

The Brooklyn Nets (formerly the New Jersey Nets, New York Nets and New Jersey Americans) take on local rivals the New York Knicks in a much-anticipated derby game to open the US basketball season on Thursday. At the time of writing, the game is expected to go ahead in spite of the damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy.

Having lost to the Knicks 97-95 in a pre-season friendly last week, the Nets will be hoping that home advantage - in the shape of their brand new billion-dollar Barclays Center - will tip the balance this time. Betfair punters expect them to get off to a winning start - you can back the Nets at 1.412/5 tobeat the Knicks on Thursday.

Local press reports suggest that, much like the nouveau riche Manchester City and their rivalry with established footballing power Man United, the Nets have nothing like the same amount of support as the Knicks and that they only ran their opponents so close because of the Knicks' mounting injury list. Basketball lovers across the US are secretly hoping the Nets' first competitive gameat their new stadium will turn out to be a sweat-soaked squib for them. With this in mind, we've taken a look at some of sport's all-time anti-climaxes.

Stanford Super Series 2008

The Stanford Super Series was a Twenty20 cricket tournament, sponsored by Allen Stanford, with the so-called 'highlight' a fixture between England and an all-star team from the Caribbean named the Stanford Superstars. While the matches were, in the main, well-attended, the British press was quick to pour scorn on the Stanford's motives, claiming the tournament to be nothing more than a cynical money-making exercise. The much-hyped tournament collapsed following the arrest, subsequent conviction and prison sentence (110 years!) of Stanford for fraud.

Rugby League World Cup 2000

The recent Olympics were a roaring success, but it's not many years since Britain was less than perfect at putting on major sporting events. The ill-fated 2000 Rugby League World Cup immediately springs to mind. Rather than give ourselves any chance of success by fielding a Great Britain XIII, the powers-that-be decided to split the team into England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, thus effectively scuppering any chance 'we' might have had of winning before the tournament even started. Couple this with some bizarre stadia choices (i.e. venues better known for hosting football than rugby league) and almost every game became a poorly-attended mis-match including the final, predictably contested between Australia and New Zealand, which finished 40-12 to the Kangaroos.

European Cup final Steaua Bucharest v Barcelona 1986

The pre-match billing to the 1986 European Cup Final was all about the artisans versus the artists and how exciting it would be to see two very different teams lock horns. The reality was somewhat different. While it had become de rigeur in European competition for the away side to try and hold out for a draw ahead of going all out for victory at home, Steaua's blatant strategy of playing for penaltiesin a final had never been seen before. Their tactical gameplan was vindicated after a dour and depressing penalty shoot-out, but their brand of anti-football won them no fans and thankfully no subsequent European Cup/Champions League final since has plumped the same dire depths.

Phil Taylor v Gary Anderson Grand Slam of Darts final 2011

In 2011, Phil 'The Power' Taylor beat Gary Anderson 13-12 in a thrilling Players Championship final, so when the pair reached the final of the Grand Slam of Darts later that year, darts fans around the world were looking forward to another cracker. Sadly for Anderson and his fans, the match turned out to be a virtual walkover for Taylor. 'The Power' rarely needed to get out of second gear in a routine 16-4 demolition, with Anderson outclassed.

World Snooker final 1989

It's hard to believe that at one time the wise cracking, heavy-jowled scouse pundit John Parrott was a precocious talent in the world of baize and balls. In 1989, however, that was very much the case as a 24-year-old Parrott blitzed his way to the World Snooker Final atthe Crucible to face Steve 'interesting' Davis. Millions of TV viewers tuned in expecting to see the ultimate battle of swashbuckling youth versus pragmatic experience. With the gripping 1985 Davis/Taylor 'black ball final' still relatively fresh in people's minds, the viewers sat back ready for a feast of snooker. A handful of stifled coughs from the Crucible crowd later, however, Davis had won 18-3 - a margin of victory that has never since been bettered in a World Final.

_ends_

Paul Nicholls Exclusive: Kauto Star is retired

Kauto and Paul pictured in Ditcheat after that legendary fifth King George win

Paul Nicholls and Clive Smith have taken the decision to retire Kauto Star this morning. Paul reflects on the great chaser - and a tough decision - in this Betfair exclusive

The end of an era has finally arrived. Clive was here this morning and we have taken the decision to retire Kauto Star.

We have had nine superb years with the horse but, after seeing him in his work these past few weeks, myself, Clifford and Dan were of the opinion that the time had arrived to retire him.

Of course, as owner, the final decision rested with Clive, but he agreed that the horse had done enough.

Don't get me wrong, Kauto looks and feels as vibrant as ever, as those who saw him at our owners' Open Day last month would testify to. He was mad fresh that day and continues to be as alert as ever and very, very well in himself.

But I suspect Kauto will be like that when he is 20-years-old.

And, deep down, we know he has done enough - and in some ways I think we have to protect him from himself. And maybe ourselves, too. If he did go to Kempton and win or run well, would you really want to run him - or be able to resist the temptation - in the Gold Cup?

I am not so sure.

Kauto is signing off in full health and after a season in which he proved so many people wrong by winning a fifth King George and a fourth Betfair Chase, to add to his two Cheltenham Gold Cups and Tingle Creeks.

Who wouldn't want to train a horse of this quality any more? He is a once-in-a-lifetime horse, after all.

Ever since he won on his debut for me at Newbury on December 29, 2004, the horse has consistently proved himself a class apart. And a 1m Betfair Million bonus in 2007 and 16 Grade 1 wins later, who would bet against him going to Kempton in December and making it number 17?

But sometimes, you have to listen to your head and your heart, and both told me that retirement was the only option.

You are a long time retired - as a certain Sir Alex Ferguson soon realised after stating his intention to step down as United manager some 10 years ago - and particularly if you are as naturally exuberant, intelligent and inquisitive as this great horse.

I get that.

Who else is going to put the up-and-coming youngsters in their place on the 5f gallop now, and put a smile on Clifford's face every morning - no mean feat that! - if he is retired?

But, knowing Kauto, he would still be coming back in after grass at the age of 14 still looking and working brilliantly, and giving us that burning question to answer.

And delaying my honest take on the retirement question would have probably been just selfishness and stubbornness on my part too - the equivalent of a football manager desperately clinging on to his best, if ageing player - and sometimes you have to look to the future and at the bigger picture.

But at the end of the day Kauto is Clive's horse, not mine. And he made the call this morning. And a brave and difficult one it would have been, too, so all credit to him.

But Kauto is also a public horse now, every bit as much as Desert Orchid, and to us here at Ditcheat that had to be a factor in the decision to retire. And while it would have been brilliant to go out on a winning high - remember Dessie's last race was a fall at Kempton - I don't think anyone present at Cheltenham last March would view Kauto's final appearance on a racetrack as a failure.

The spontaneous applause he got from the crowd when he was pulled up genuinely lifted the spirits of all the team here - and it is the team here, from Clifford down, and Clive, that made Kauto what he became - at what was a low moment.

Disappointment was immediately replaced by pride, and that is the overwhelming emotion I feel when looking at the horse.

Ever since then, Clive and I have discussed retirement at regular intervals.

But now the decision has been made it will be very strange to look out of my office window and not see Kauto's head and Denman's arse sticking out the main two boxes - or indeed Clive's Master Minded, for that matter.

Because Kauto Star will be the hardest of acts to follow.

He has given me my best days in the sport and, even though the Gold Cups and King Georges are the pinnacles for any staying chaser, with his 2009 Kempton win breathtakingly impressive, the raw emotion that followed his Haydock win last November will live longest in my memory.

I had to hold myself together to stop myself being in floods of tears that day, and I just about managed it.

But whatever the future holds, I am certain that Clive and all us here at Ditcheat will reflect on a magnificent past and I am sure we will both go on searching for the unattainable in the future.

Namely, a horse to replace the irreplaceable legend that was, and is, Kauto Star.